Football has always been more than a sport in Bodoland – It has been a way of life, a cultural cornerstone, and a symbol of community spirit
KRC TIMES Desk
Pramod Boro
When the Prime Minister of India,Narendra Modi, addressed the nation in the 123rd episode of his widely followed radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on 29th June 2025, his words carried more than just praise they echoed the heartbeat of a region long striving for peace and progress. “The energy in the youth and their confidence is most evident on the football field. The Bodoland CEM Cup is being organised in the Bodoland Territorial Region.
It is not just a tournament it has become a celebration of unity and hope,” he said. These words, spoken from the highest office in the country, were not just a recognition of a sporting event but a validation of a journey a journey that the people of Bodoland have undertaken with courage, determination and an unshakable belief in the power of unity.
Football has always been more than a sport in Bodoland. It has been a way of life, a cultural cornerstone, and a symbol of community spirit. In the villages scattered across the region, football grounds have long served as the nucleus of our social life. In my younger days I could see that no village in Bodoland was complete without a football ground.
Every evening, the football ground, especially after a hard day’s labour in the paddy fields, provided us the much-needed avenue for recreation and celebration. Sometimes, a ‘nareng jambura’ or a pomelo as the ball, and four bamboo sticks or areca nut stems serving as goal posts would do. Men, women, and children would gather not just to play, but to connect, to unwind, and to celebrate life. Every family- rich and poor alike gathered to play or to watch.
The football ground was, without doubt, a place of recreation, but it also served as a space for perseverance and reflection. Youth in pursuit of careers with the Indian Army toiled and sweated it out there late after the twilight, or even as the cock crowed in the morning. I could see that it served as the space for meetings, conferences, and festivals.
Football grounds also provided our youth a hangout space for engaging in debates and discussions on social, political and economic issues of the community, which were generally not afforded in the normal classroom settings. In many ways, the football ground was our classroom, our stage, and our natural sanctuary.
Our communities in BTR have long nurtured a way of life that celebrates simplicity, joy, and togetherness. Our traditions reflected in food, clothing, music, and festivals are deeply rooted in nature and community. Football, over time, has become woven into this cultural fabric. It has gradually become a bridge between generations, blending modern aspirations with age-old customs. This fusion of sport and culture has made football a living expression of our identity and pride.
It is not a co-incidence that our Government of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chose football as a medium to foster connection, correction, and direction. The CEM Cup 2025 is a culmination of the years of effort to promote peace and harmony through sport: over 3760 teams and 67680 players, involving every village in Bodoland! It brought together players, fans, and communities in a shared experience that transcended the sport.
It reminded us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail. It showed us that peace in Bodoland region is not merely the absence of conflict, but founded on collectivity, opportunity, creativity, and joy.
But our journey did not begin there. It began with our BTR Government’s conscious decision to embrace every form of cultural expression as a vehicle for transformation. Sports, literature, music, dance, and the rich heritage of the region were all harnessed to build bridges and relationships of trust among all individuals and communities. These efforts were not merely symbolic: these were strategic and deeply rooted in the belief that the creative spirit of the people could overcome even the darkest chapters of history.
A landmark moment in BTR’s sporting history came with the launch of the Inter Sixth Schedule Premier League (ISPL 2022). Held across the five districts of BTR, this event was the first of its kind to unite all Sixth Schedule councils in a grand football tournament. It wasn’t just a competition—it was a celebration of our shared identity and collective dreams. The league showcased raw talent from tribal communities, many of whom had never had the chance to perform on such a stage.
It may be mentioned here that the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution was designed to protect the rights and autonomy of tribal communities in the Northeast. These regions are home to some of the most ancient and culturally rich tribes in India. Yet, for decades, they had lacked platforms to showcase their talents in sports and cultural arenas.
The roots of this constitutional provision trace back to the work of the Bordoloi Committee comprising the former Chief Minister of Assam Gopinath Bordoloi as its Chair, and JJM Nichols Roy, Rup Nath Brahma, AV Thakkar, Mayang Nokcha and Aliba Imti as visionary members representing our region in the Constituent Assembly.
They played a key role in advocating for tribal autonomy, which laid the foundation for the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, ensuring that tribal voices were heard and respected in the governance of their own regions. Today, the Government of India is in the process of passing the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill in order to ensure holistic development of the 10 Sixth Schedule Councils distributed in the NE states of India.
The final match of ISPL 2022 was graced by Kalyan Chaubey, the Honorable President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). His presence marked a turning point for sports in BTR. Witnessing the enthusiasm and skill of local players, he pledged to bring major national tournaments to the region. True to his word, BTR, a Sixth Schedule Council later had the opportunity to host matches from prestigious events like the Durand Cup and the Santosh Trophy, opening new doors for aspiring athletes.
For over four decades, Bodoland grappled with violence, fratricidal conflict, and inter-community strife. The gun-culture had cast a long shadow over the region, threatening to extinguish the hopes and dreams of generations. Yet, through it all, the people of Bodoland held on to their identity, their dignity, and their aspirations.
The signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020 marked a watershed moment—a victory not of one group over another, but of the collective will of the people to choose peace over conflict. It was a moment that redefined Bodoland’s trajectory and opened the door to a future built on trust, reciprocity, and inclusive development.
Kokrajhar, now known as the City of Peace, has emerged as the epicenter of this transformation. Once a place synonymous with unrest, it has become a vibrant hub of cultural and intellectual activity. A series of national and international events have reimagined Kokrajhar’s identity, turning it into a beacon of unity and peace. From the “RAGAM” a mega fest celebrating cultural diversity to the 100 Languages Poetry Festival promoting peace and love, the city has hosted a remarkable array of gatherings.
Events like Jothumma 2.0, the Inter Sixth Schedule Council Premier League, and the Santosh Trophy have brought together people from across the country, reinforcing the message that Bodoland has changed and transformed for the better.
Literary festivals, international theatre shows, and knowledge summits have further enriched the cultural landscape. The Bodoland International Knowledge Festival, and the MWIHUR International Theatre Festivalhave provided platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, learning, and artistic expression.
Traditional celebrations like the Baukhungri Festival continue to anchor the community in its roots, while prestigious tournaments like the Durand Cup have elevated Bodoland’s status on the national stage. Hosting the 132nd, 133rd, and now the 134thDurand Cup is not just a sporting achievement it is a declaration that peace has taken firm root here and that Bodoland is ready to pursue excellence.
Today, the 134th Durand Cup matches being hosted at Kokrajhar- the City of Peace is another cause for us to celebrate. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is the oldest football tournament in Asia. Its arrival in Kokrajhar for three consecutive years is indeed a milestone. It signifies recognition, respect, and a renewed sense of purpose.
For the people of BTR, it is a moment of pride a validation of our journey from conflict to celebration of peace. It also serves as a reminder that football, despite its elite associations in some circles, remains a game of the people- across, caste, class, gender, community, creed or faith. It is a sport that transcends boundaries, offering both individual glory and communal joy.
Football’s history in India is rich and inspiring. The game gained prominence in the early twentieth century and became a symbol of resistance and pride. Mohun Bagan’s historic victory over the East York Regiment in the 1911 IFA Shield had ignited a sense of nationalism among Indian youth. India’s participation in the 1948 London Olympics and qualification for the 1950 FIFA World Cup marked the beginning of a new era.
The post-independence period saw India emerge as a football powerhouse in Asia, with notable achievements including the gold medal at the 1951 Asian Games, the Colombo Quadrangular Cup victory in 1952, a semi-final appearance at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, and another gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Indonesia.
While these milestones were being etched into the national narrative, Bodoland was quietly nurturing its own football legacy. The legendary Binode Brahma, a stalwart of the Assam Football Team, played a pivotal role in this journey. Based in Kokrajhar, he not only represented Assam with distinction but also mentored young talents in the region. His dedication and passion laid the foundation for a vibrant football culture that continues to thrive today.
More recently, as cited by the Prime Minister Modi , Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurna Narzary and Manabir Basumatary represent a new generation that has taken Bodoland from the ground to the national stage. Today, countless children in the country begin their dreams by taking inspiration from them.”
As Bodoland continues its journey, football will remain a vital part of its story. It will continue to inspire, to connect, and to uplift. Today, football has been providing a solid platform to address social, psychological and health afflictions of our youth. It is the football ground once again serving as the arena for empowering them to effectively fend off addictions and abuses of all other kinds: drugs, phones, alcohol, early marriage or whatever you name it.
The grounds that once echoed with the sounds of struggle now resonate with cheers of celebration. The youth who once faced uncertainty now chase dreams with confidence. And the region that once sought peace has now become its very model.
Thus, football in general, and the Durand Cup in particular, have given the people of Bodoland much cause to celebrate. And in that celebration, the people of Bodoland find not just recognition, but affirmation. That we are on the right path! And with every goal scored, every match played, and every cheer heard, we move closer to a future defined no longer by conflict, but by courage and creativity bonding together as a cohesivesociety where unity in diversity is indeed a reality!
(Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Region)
